I am adding a light too an existing circuit.. I added a new box but I find that the existing wire is too short to do a normal twisted connection. Can I use a butt splice? Tom Spang
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Well, if by "butt splice" you
Well, if by "butt splice" you mean a UL-approved connector applied with the appropriate UL-approved crimper, then ... maybe. If you mean a butt splice out of the bins in the automotive section at your local hardware store, crimped with a pair of pliers, no.
I am a little curious why adding a new box made the wires shorter.
When you cut into a circuit in this way, it's not a "one box" affair, you will need two boxes... Ideally one box in one stud bay and the other in the next bay over. This will give you 8" of existing wire to work with in each box, enabling you to properly pull the wires in and make the connections you need.
OK, I took "Added a box" to
OK, I took "Added a box" to mean that he replaced a box with a larger one or some such. Makes sense that he probably meant he cut the cable and is trying to stick a box in the gap. (I wouldn't have thought of that because I subconsciously knew it was a fools errand, unless there just happend to be a lot of slack in the cable.)
I forgot to add "Then you can
I forgot to add "Then you can connect the two boxes with a 32" length of new wire (8" + 16" + 8")"
Also, the boxes don't need to face the same direction. You can put the boxs into the back of a closet if you want.